Heating system



E. F. STEVENS HEATING SYSTEM Aug. 19, 1952 2 SHEETS -SHEET 1 Filed April 4, 1947 E. F. STEVENS HEATING SYSTEM Aug. 19, 1952 2 SHEETS--SHEET 2 Filed April 4, 1947 Patented Aug. 19, 1952 UNITED7 STATES HEATING" SYSTEM EM. Finish sevens, St. Paul, Minn. Appiicsson'ssrifg r947, seam... 739,476 I 3 Claims. (01. 2219- -38) 1 My invention relates to a new method and apparatus for furnishing heat where electric power is available; utilizing the electronic .heat generated by and released. through'infrared,

tubes,'through direct,'indirect, diverted, thermostatic and manual controls.-

It is the object of thepresent invention r01,

provide a method and apparatus for supplying heat without accompanying smoke, gas and odor, and which is promptly available through, mechanical installation. This installation is such that no chimney, stack, exhaust flues or ventilator is required. The necessary heat. volume.

may be produced thereby at low cost of installation and operation.

A feature of the present invention resides in the safety of the apparatus employed. In view of the fact that no fire is necessary, much of the danger of explosion and damage resulting from fire is obviated.

A feature of my invention resides in the fact 7 that the electronic heat generating means is capable of use in numerous types of devices. My heating means may be vemployed in steam boilers, as well as hot water boilers, and hot air furnaces. My heating unit may be employed to a hot water heater, or to a register heater which may be used either in a wall or floor. means may be embraced in stoves, radiators, or. fire places.

My heating unit has also been found log construction of Figure 10.

. 2 Figure 8 is a cross heating unit is submergedwithin the liquid to be heated.

Figure 9 is a sectional view through aliquid I heater showing a heating unit of the s'ur'facetype designed for use for heating surrounding liquid. Figure 10 is a "front elevational vie w of an; 7 imitation log which 'isfadjustably supported to serve as a heating unit in'a fire place or the like.

Figure 11 is a cross sectional viewthr'ough the Figure 12 is an elevation view of ga radiator showing my heating units embodied therein.

Figure 13 is a view of the heating unit used in the radiator of Figure 12.

Figure 14 illustrates a modified {fe n; or heatihg unit which may be used'in place of the structure shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a front elevational view of a-p ort able heater which may be used'as a spacefheater for a particular heating operation.

Figure 16 is a cross sectional view through the I structure illustrated in Figure 13.

My heating useful in salamanders and may be employed as surface or submerged type tank heaters. ,The

In Figure 1 of the drawings I disclose a furnace A which embodies infra-red tubes capable of producing heat. The furnace A includes a base it! having a, hollow body 1'! mounted thereon.

The body II includes a lining was l2, an outer wall l3, and intermediate insulating means M therebetween. A heat conducting outlet [5 extends through the closed top ls of the body H units may be used in buildings of all types as well air furnace showing a duct extending through the heating chamber of the furnace through which the heating medium may flow. I

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view through a hot water heater showing the construction thereof. Figure 4 is a plan view of a wall or floorregister type heater showing a heating unit positioned inwardly or beneath a grating through which the heat may pass.

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the register heater illustrated in Figure 4 showing the general construction thereof.

Figure 6 is a view similar toFigure 5 showing" and is designed to conduct heat to any suitable location either close to or distant from the furnace A. An air inlet pipe I! is provided at the lower extremity of the body leadinginto the furnace A. Air may enter through this inlet I1 into the interior of the body I and be'allowed to flow through the outlet I5 after being heated to the necessary extent.

A substantially U-shaped support [9 is provided Within the body I l on which is mounted a series of spaced sockets Zil. Infra-red heat tubes 2! are mounted'in the sockets 20 and are connected by suitable wiring to the plug'22 which may be plugged into any suitable supply of electrical current. When the plug 22 is properly connected to a current supply thetubes 2| may be energized, producing heat directed toward the interior of the furnace body l2. The air passing through the interior of the furnace is heated by these tubes and passesout through the outlet 1'5. In Figurez of the drawings I disclose afurnace B which may be a steam'or water boiler or may a double type register heater which is designed to direct heat through grills or grids on opposite sides thereof.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional View through a" heating unit or salamander which is designed 'to' serve a space heater.

comprise ahot air furnace. The furnace B includes a base 23 having mounted thereupon a body 24. The body 24 is formed of insulated 'walls which may if desired form a normally sealed inner chamber 25. A fluid passage 26 has itsinlet at 21 and extends in a tortuous path to the outlet 27. I

A support ZB'is secured 'to the bottom of th e sectional ,throu'gh a A tank heater'showing a construction in which the chamber 25 and supports a series of spaced sockets 39. These sockets 30 support spaced infra-red heat tubes 3| which produce heat sufficient to warm the interior of the body 24 orheat the entire chamber 25. As the heating fluid passes through the passage 26 it is heated to the desired extent and is allowed to flow through the outlet 21.

In Figure 3 of the drawings I disclose a hot water heater indicated in general by the letter C. This heater includes tubular vertical walls 32 which are preferably insulated so as to allow a minimum of heat to escape. The walls 32 enclose a cylindrical tank 33 designed to contain water or any other desired fluid. A liquid inlet 34 is provided near the bottom of the tank 33 and a liquid outlet 35 is provided near the top thereof.

Within the walls 32 and below the level of-the tank 33 I provide a support 34 on which are secured a series of spaced sockets 35. Infra-red heat tubes 36 are supported in these sockets 35 and are designed to direct heat against the lower end of the tank 33. The liquid'within the tank is accordingly quickly heated and may be removed through the outlet 35 forany desired use. The tubes 36 are connected by suitable wiring to a plug 31 which may be inserted in any common socket secured to a source of power supply. The current from the power supply is directed to the bulbs 36 to heat the tank 33. thermostatic switch 39 may be located in the circuit between the plugs 31 and the tubes 36 to control the temperature of the tank.

In Figures 4 and of the drawings I disclose diagrammatically a heating unit which in substance comprises a hollow enclosure having a grid or grill covering the same and which may be recessed into a wall or floor. The register heater D illustrated in these figures includes a base panel 46 and enclosing wall panels 45, pro viding a rectangular enclosure having an open side. A grill or grid 42 is mounted in this side so as to provide a foraminous covering for the register through which heat waves may pass.

A supporting panel 43 is secured adjacent the base panel 46 and supports a series of spaced sockets 44. Infra-red heat tubes 45 are provided in the sockets 44 to direct heat through the grid or grill 42.

The tubes 45 are electrically connected in parallel by means of suitable wires which extend through a switch 46 to a suitable source of current supply. When the switch is on, electricity is supplied to the infra-red heat tubes 45, directing heat through the grill or grid 42.

In Figure 6 of the drawings I disclose a double type register heater E which is somewhat similar to the heater D just described. The heater E includes a rectangular frame 46 which is open at both ends and which is equipped with a center panel 41. A pair of parallel supports 49 are mounted on opposite sides of the panel 47 and each support 49 has secured thereto a series of spaced sockets 59. Infra-red heat tubes 5| are mounted in the sockets 53 to direct heat outwardly from the center panel 41. A grill or grid 52 is provided ineach end of the enclosure 46 so as to provide a foraminouspanel through which heat waves may pass. A switch 53 is connected by suitable wires to the various tubes 5| which are wired in parallel. A similar switch 54 is connected by suitable wiring to the heat tubes 5| of the other panel 49 so as to provide a means of controlling the current flow thereto. The switches 53 and 54 are connected to a A suitable 4 suitable current supply source which may energize the tubes 5| and direct heat out'of either of the grids or grills 52 when desired.

In Figure 7 of the drawings I disclose a heater F which may serve as a space heater or salamander. This heater F includes tubular insulated side walls 55 which are closed at their lower end by an insulated bottom 56. A coneshaped deflector 51 is peripherally secured at 59 to the upper edges of the walls 55. Angularly spaced openings 60 are provided through the wall 55 near the upper extremity thereof so that heat generated within the chamber 6|, defined by the walls 55, the bottom 56 and the top 51, may flow.

A support'62 is provided adjacent the bottom 56 and this support has thereupon a series of spaced sockets 63. Infra-red heat tubes 64 are supported in the sockets 63 and are properly directed to heat the interior of the heater F. I-Ieated air is directed through the apertures 60 and the cone-shaped deflector 5'! also serves as a heat transfer means to heat air above the coneshaped tube 51.

Figure 8 illustrates a liquid heater G of the immersion type embodying my heating unit. The tank 65 is provided, which may or may not be open at its upper end as illustrated. A chamber 66 having vertically extending walls 61, a closed bottom 63 secured to the lower ends of the walls 6'! and a closed top secured to the upper ends of the walls 61, is supported within the outer tank 65. A tubular passage ll extends through the closed top it and extends above the level of the side walls 12 of the tank 65. Wires 13 extend through this tubular passage H into the interior of the chamber 66. A support 14 is secured within the chamber 66 near the top 16 thereof and supports a series of spaced sockets l5. Infra red heat tubes 16 are supported in the sockets 15. These heat tubes 76 are connected in parallel by the wires '13 to a plug '11 which may be secured to any suitable socket. When the tubes 76 are energized heat is created which is directed against the closed bottom 69 acting to heat the interior of the chamber 66 and to heat the liquid surrounding this chamber within the tank 65. v

Figure 9 illustrates a liquid heater H. This heater H includes an outer tank '59 having side walls 80, a closed bottom 8|, and an open top which may be equipped with a cover if desired. A hollow receptacle 82 extends into the tank 19 V and is supported in spaced relation to the bottom 8! thereof by means of legs or supports 83. The inner tank 82 is provided with side walls 64 and a closed bottom 35 attached. thereto. A support 86 is provided near the top of the tank 32 and this support has a series of spaced sockets Bl mounted thereon. The sockets 6'! support infra-red heat bulbs 39 or the like, which are preferably positioned to direct heat downwardly toward the tank bottom 65. The tubes or bulbs 69 are connected in parallel to a pair of conductors which lead to a plug 96 designed for insertion into any electrical socket.

In Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings I disclose a heater J which may be placed in a fire place or the like to produce a decorative appearance as well as to produce heat. The heater J includes a base 9! having a pair of spaced upwardly extending standards 92 thereon. A tubular body 93 similating in outward appearance a log or length of wood is pivotally supported at 94 to the standards 92.

The tubular body 93 has a support 98 therein extending longitudinally of the body 93. The support 98 has a series of spaced sockets 95 thereon which are designed to accommodate infrared heat tubes 96. These tubes are inserted through spaced apertures 91 in the surface of the log so that the heat waves or heat rays generated by the tubes may be directed outwardly in a radial direction.

The various heat tubes are preferably connected in parallel to a suitable source of current supply and when energized produce radiant heat. The direction in which the heat travels may be regulated by pivoting the log body 93 about the aligned pivots 94.

In Figure 12 of the drawings I disclose a heater K which similates a radiator in outward appearance. The radiator K is formed of a series of hollow sections 91 connected together by bolts 99 or other suitable fastening means. A transverse passage I extends through all of the sections 91, forming a common connection between these sections. An aperture I 0| is provided at one end of the radiator and a plug I02 is provided for normally closing this opening. The plug I02 as illustrated in both Figures 12 and 13 has an elongated support I03 connected thereto. A series of spaced upwardly projecting brackets I04 are mounted on the support I03. Sockets I05 are provided on each of the brackets I 04 and infra-red heat tubes I06 are supported in the sockets I05. The heat tubes I06 are preferably connected in parallel to a pair of conductors which extend through the plug I02 to a suitable source of current supply. When energized the bulbs I06 generate heat which heats the entire interior of the hollow sections 91.

In Figure 14 of the drawings I disclose an infrared tube support which may be used in place of the support previously described. In this arrangement I provide a plug I01 similar to the plug I02 and which may be substituted therefor. An elongated support I09, similar to the previously described support I03, is attached to the plug I01. A series of sockets IIO are mounted in spaced relation upon the support I09. Infra-red heat tubes III are mounted in the sockets H0. The heat generated by the tubes I I I is directed in a generally vertical direction, whereas the heat generated by the bulb I06 is projected in a horizontal direction.

In Figures 15 and 16 of the drawings I disclose a. portable heater L which may be moved from room to room if desired. The heater L includes a base panel II2 having upwardly extending spaced parallel sides H3 at either end thereof. A top panel I I4 is connected to the upper ends of the sides H3 and a rear panel H5 is provided on the rear of the frame. A front shield I I6 having a curved under-surface H1 is provided at the upper edge of the enclosure.

A rectangular aperture H9 is provided in the rear panel H5 and an adjustable panel I29 is arranged to fill this aperture. The panel I20 is pivotally supported at I2I to a supporting bracket I22 connected to the rear surface of the panel H5. The pivot joint I2I is a universal connection so that the panel I20 may be pivoted out of a vertical plane or transversely. I

The panel I20 is provided with a series of spaced sockets I23 thereon which are designed to accommodate infra-red heat tubes I24. The heat tubes I24 are arranged in generally parallel relation so that the heat generated thereby may be projected in any desired direction.

It will be noted from the foregoin description that my infra-red heat tubes may be used in numerous ways to produce a heater for liquid or air. The heat is in every case generated from a convenient source of supply of current which actuates infra-red heat tubes.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my heating system, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood that these are only illustrative thereof, and that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A heater including an enclosure, a support within said enclosure, said support comprising a U-shaped member having generally parallel sides arranged near opposite sides of the enclosure and, a base extending along the bottom of said enclosure, a series of infra-red light bulbs secured to said support, certain of said lights being secured t0 the sides of said support and being directed inwardly toward one another, and infrared bulbs on the base of said support directed upwardly, and a suitable source of power supply for said light bulbs.

2. A heating system including a housing including a closed chamber, a fluid conduit extending into said chamber at the lower extremity thereof and extending upwardly in said chamber, said fluid conduit extending from said chamber near the upper extremity thereof, a support within said chamber adjacent the lower extremity thereof, a series of infra-red ray tubes supported by said support, and means connecting said tubes to a suitable source of fluid supply, said tubular conduit forming a fluid circulating system through which fluid may flow, said conduit being in heat exchange relation with the air within said chamber.

3. The structure described in claim 2 and in which the conduit follows a tortuous passage through said chamber.

. EDWIN FENTON STEVENS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 711,827, Cook et a1. Oct. 21, 1902 1,393,531 I-Ioward Oct. 11, 1921 1,395,584 Kennedy et a1. Nov. 1, 1921 1,719,266 Hersh July 2, 1929 1,723,743 Mason Aug. 6, 1929 1,755,204 Buffalow et a1 Apr. 22, 1930 1,797,927 Ratner Mar. 24, 1931 1,960,910 Johnson May 29, 1934 2,051,456 Muir et a1. Aug. 18, 1936 2,057,776 Groven Oct. 20, 1936 2,150,762 Edwards et a1 Mar. 14, 1939 2,177,101 Franzwa Oct. 24, 1939 2,186,067 Groven Jan. 9, 1940 2,340,345 Richeson Feb. 1, 1944 2,354,658 Barber Aug. 1, 1944 2,387,804 Miskella Oct. 30, 1945 2,419,643 Hudson Apr. 29, 1947 2,428,079 Hooper Sept. 30, 1947 2,439,005 Jensen Apr. 6, 1948 2,454,370 Beaubien Nov. 23, 1948 2,472,293 Groven June 7, 1949 Miskella Aug. 2, 1949 

